Two Waterloo alumni launch foundation to help those recovering from traumatic brain injuries
Athletes are often at risk of experiencing sports-related concussions — a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result in temporary or persistent symptoms and can have a lasting impact beyond physical symptoms.
In 2011, Felicia Corrado (BPH ’19) sustained a concussion during a ringette game. She had persistent symptoms: chronic headaches, nausea, light sensitivity and ringing in her ears. Corrado had difficulty going through the recovery journey on her own, where her symptoms resulted in multiple stressors in her life.
Allie Harrison (BSc ’21), who was a year older, had heard about Corrado missing school but did not fully understand how chronic headaches can impact a person’s life. It was not until a year-and-a-half later, when Harrison sustained a concussion while playing rugby, that she quickly learned Corrado’s absence was much more than a headache. She reached out to Corrado for advice.
“We both found ourselves struggling with post-concussion syndrome with no one else to relate to,” Harrison said. “But we were able to share our experiences and support one another in a way few others could understand. We leaned on one another to get through our tough times and to celebrate our victories.”
Corrado and Harrison ended up attending the University of Waterloo for Public Health and Health Studies. Courses in both programs had significant overlaps so the two often worked on group projects together and even chose concussions as their topic.
“Our experiences are not identical, but we confided in each other with the ongoing struggles we both face with traumatic brain injuries,” Corrado said. “As athletes who were really driven academically, it was hard to suddenly not feel like who we were before our injuries. We were lucky to have our connection and support for each other.”
“We were lucky to have our connection and support for each other.”
Felicia Corrado (BPH ’19)
Founders Felicia Corrado (left) and Allie Harrison
Immediately after their connection, Corrado and Harrison started talking about making a difference in the TBI community one day so that others do not have to face the challenges they faced alone.
“Those living with the effects of TBI often mask how they are really feeling,” Corrado said. “It can be tough to pretend like your symptoms are non-existent when they impact your ability to function, but constantly explaining to those around you can be challenging and overwhelming.”
A decade later, while their recoveries continue to this day, Corrado and Harrison founded the Keep Your Head Up Foundation, through which people affected by brain injuries can feel supported, connected and empowered to build the resilience they need to navigate their recovery journeys.
The foundation offers free programs and recovery toolkits nationally for people seeking support across Canada, while they are working to establish resources and support for youth here in the Region of Waterloo. It also provides resources for families and friends to support loved ones through their TBI recovery.
“Living with our injuries has presented many challenges throughout the years,” Harrison said. “But it has been a very therapeutic part of our healing process to share our stories with the community. It led us to where we are today with the Keep Your Head Up Foundation — making an important impact within a community that is in dire need of more support.”
